Latch for sliding window



Feb. 26, 1963 Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 D. K. MINICK LATCH FOR SLIDING WINDOW 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 DEAN K. MINICK wmwzfm ATTORNEYS ATTORNEY}? 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 D. K. MINICK LATCH FOR SLIDING WINDOW IOO IIB

Feb. 26, 1963 Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 DEAN K. MINICK LA Feb. 26, 1963 D. K. MINICK LATCH FOR SLIDING WINDOW Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 mm m:

wt wt INVENTOR DEAN K. MINIQK ATTORNEY Feb. 26, 1963 D. K. MlNlCK 3,078,524

LATCH FOR SLIDING WINDOW Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheei 4 "l'lll m n.

INVENTOR DEAN K. MINICK ATTORNEY 5' Feb. 26, 1963 D. K. MlNlCK 3,07

LATCH FOR SLIDING WINDOW Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENT OR DEAN K. MINICK ATTORNEY United States Patent *Ofifice 3,078,524 Patented Feb. 26,

3,07 ,524 .LATCH FOR SLIDE; WIN DOW Dean K- Minick, .Carnp f-Hill, -Pa., .as'signor .to '.Capitpl Products Corporation, Mechan csburgfPa, a .c'orpora- {-tion of'Pennsylvania Original application Aug. 6, -1957,-Se1'. No.-6 76,629, now .Patent No. 2',953,S24', dated Sept. 27,-1960. Divided :aud Ethis. application Aug. 1, 1960, Ser. No.-47',890

6;.Claims. .(Cl.*20.52)

IIFhe present inventionirelates generally .to; the window .arLand more specificallyand particular-do ;newand useful improvements in latch mechanism;for,horizontal -sliding sash window constructions.

This application is a division of my original-application Ser ial No. 676,629, filed 'August 6, -195 7, now Patent .No.

2,953,824, .granted. September 27, 1960.

@There are many; prior art. window constructions .of'the horizontal or. lateral sliding type'which servezi provide in a window opening one or more fured sashes in combina- Ztionwith one or more horizontally openable sashes which slide in parallel relationship with the stirred; sash components. .Ithas been discovered that there are 'manyiea- "turesof construction throughout priorart structures which are disadvantageous for one reason vor another.

.Iheprincipal disadvantageinherentin substantially all prior art: horizontaL-sliding :windows arises trom-thightcost of manufacture I of the [intricate and complex structures heret ofore utilized. Other disadvantages found to "be prominent throughout. these prior art. structures relateto inadequate and insufficient Weather sealing, inefl ieientand poor working. parts, and costly;an'd' unsightly 1 locking; or .latch. means which are ditlicult and cumbersomein opera- I tion.

'It is, therefore,.a: generalobject of--the.present invention to provide} afwindow of the horizontal sliding type .the

.constructionof whichserves to eliminate substantiallyall .of thedisadvantages and problernsinherent throughout the .prior art :structures.

It. is a, principal objectof this invention to provide; a window .construction. which is of extremelysimple and inexpensive design-lending itself readily to low cost manufacture without sacrificing any of the requisitech-ar-actervistics .of strength, durabil ty, Or appearance.

It is another objectof this invention .to provide-a-WindQ oi thetype described wherein the-simplification design and parts .andthelow cost of v.rnanufacture area made ..po ssible through the .-,utilization .of a; simple, extruded structural member which serves substantially universally .in:.the fabrication. and assembly of the; windowunit.

.StilLa further. object of this invention. is the rprovision ,ofa windowv of the type described wherein-thesirnplified and unique structural member utilized .substantiaHymniversally in the fabrication and; assembly of the ;window .construction permitsa substantial savings-in thenamount .ofmaterial required to construct the structural components of the windowrelative to. the material requirements of ,prior art structures. The structural .member utilizedis ofsuch aconstruction .as to satisfy.marrimum requirements of strength notwithstanding the substantial reduc- 7 tion in material utilized in its formation.

A still further object of this invention rests in theprovision of a window construction of thetype described wherein unique structures are utilized in the formation of glazing seals andweather seals fforthe sash elements of thewindow which serve to afford weather sealing and cushioning characteristics of maximum efficiency for the window unit.

"The glazing and weather sealing components utilized in .the instant window-construction are of; extremely -simple and inexpensive design and are readily incorporated in the: window construction at time of fabrication at a=rnini imum cost attributablelto materials and tolabor.

v2 'Another-and important object-of'this invention resides in the provision of a unique and utilitarianlatch mechanism' incorporated in thewindow unitcoopera'tiv'elywith thehorizontalsllding; sash components to providea 'posi- -tive,- self-locking construction for the openable sash c' mponerits of the window. In addition to the no ve1*c o"nstru'ction and operation of the self loeking latch-mechanism incorporated in the window unit, "the latch rnecha- 'nism -is of such a structural design as. to eliminate exten- -*sion o'f-anylatch parts into any light area -of the-window unit while stillpresentin-g'm'anually 'operable compone'nts in readily accessible position on 'the window.

lt is 'stilllanother object of this invention to.;prov-ide-=a window construction of the'typ'e hereinbeforedescribed wherein the movable sash components of;the window are readily removable from the window unit for cleaningand like purposes.

"Yet another object of thisinvention-is the provisionot a window construction of the type described whereinsu'ch i components as glazin s'eals, weather sea lsand slide'tr'acks -'o'r rails may be'q'uickly and easilyirnove'd or" installed "'forpurposes of repair or replacement.

A still-furtherobject of 'the present inventionis'to'pro- 'vide a new and -useful windowc'onstruction of the type describediri-which the frame components-are readily rabricated for fin-trirn -or 'wo'odbuck' 'type' window {installations.

Still further objects'a nd advantagesof thepresent invention will become more readily apparent toithose;. 'skilled in' the-art when the following' description'is read' in the light of the accompanying drawings.

" -In 'the' drawings:

FIGJl is a front orinsideelevation-of an -illustr-a tive embodiment'o'f the window unit. i A

FIGL-Z is a rear or outside elevation of thewindowunit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical. section takenon line 3-3, FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a verticalsection taken on line 4- 4, FI G. 2. FIG. 5 is a horizontal section taken 'on-line 5- 5, H G 1.

FIG. '6 is a horizontal section'taken on line 6 6,

FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a frontelevation in fragmentarywerticalsection of the latch'mechanism shown-'in'FIG. 6.' FIGJS is a pictorial'p'erspecti-veillustration of 'the-lfatch mechanis'm showniin FIG/6.

FIG. 9' is'a fragmentary vertical elevation impartial section illustrating the attachment of the center 5 the frame.

FIG. 10 is a vertical section taken on. line 1 0 l 0,

FIG. 11 is awhorizontal section taken-online' 'll ll,

FIG. 12 is an enlarged ragmentary rear-elevation-of the window in partial vertical section illustrating-the screen lock.

suppo'rted=within a frame in which all component sections (head, sill and side bar) are formed from-a cornmon'onepiece structural member. I In this windowunit the" glazing of the fixed and sliding panels is secureand weathei tig'ht,

and the movable panels are provided with a latch member serving as a functional hand grip for moving the sliding panels horizontally of the frame relative to the fixed panels and automatically operating to lock the movable panel in its closed position.

In the descriptions herein following, and in the accompanying drawings, the concepts of the present invention are exemplarily disclosed in the form of a double panelled window, one fixed and one sliding, for purposes of illustration of an operable embodiment. However, the concepts of this invention are equally applicable to windows including a plurality of panels, both fixed and movable, in a variety of cooperative relationships one to the other. It is not intended nor contemplated that the scope of this invention be limited in any way whatever beyond those requirements made necessary by the prior art and the hereinafter appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention disclosed in the accompanying drawings the numeral 10 designates, generally, a window unit constructed in accordance with the novel concepts of the invention and composed of a frame 12 for installation directly in a window opening. Frame 12 includes a sill member 14, a header 16, and interconnecting side bars 18 and 18a. The sill and header are interconnected vertically intermediate the length of the frame by a center bar or meeting rail 20 defining within the frame two like openings on either side thereof. Each of said openings is closed by a glazed panel, one fixed, 22, and one slidable, 24. In addition, the opening in front of the sliding panel 24 is provided with a screen panel 26 enclosing one side thereof within the frame component.

In installation in a light openin the present window construction has a normally indoor side, as is seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings, and an outdoor side as is seen in FIG. 2, and over a portion of which the screen panel 26 is remo-vably affixed.

Frame Components As best seen in FIGS. 3 through of the drawings, the sill, header and side bar frame components 14, l6, l8 and 18a respectively, are all formed from an elongated, extruded, semi-tubular structural member 2%. Appropriate lengths of this common extruded structural member, each having mitered ends, are arranged and fabricated into a rectangular frame as disclosed with adjacent mitered ends being joined at right angles by welding or a like method of attachment to form a composite, one-piece frame member of substantially identical cross sectional configuration throughout its rectangular length.

The elongated extruded structural member 2% from which the components of the frame 12 are formed may be described in cross sectional configuration (see FIG. 5) as consisting of a fiat web 3% extending transversely of the width of the structural member throughout its longitudinal length. One longitudinal edge of the web 30 is provided with a flange 3-2 projecting outwardly from one face, 34, of the web and forms therewith a slightly obtuse angle a. The remote longitudinal edge of web St is provided with a second flange 36 projecting outwardly from the opposite face, 38, of the web in a direction opposite to and in parallel with the projection of flange 32 from the web. Flange 36 forms an acute angle 11 with the web face 38 which is complementary to obtuse angle 0.

Additionally, flange 36 is provided longitudinally of its extreme projected end remote to Web face 33 with a perpendicular head or lip 4i extending in the general direction of the plane of flange 32. Flange 36 also has a heel-like extension 4-2 formed as an integral continuation thereof projecting outwardly from face 34 of web 30 for a distance sufiicient to align the extended end thereof with the apex of angle a on a line defining a A true perpendicular between the parallel planes of flanges 32 and 36.

The cross sectional configuration of the extruded structural member 28 is further defined by the face 33 of the web being provided intennediate its length with an integrally formed, generally V-shaped rib 44 projecting outwardly therefrom. The rib 44 consists of one leg 46 of the V extending in parallel with the flanges 32 and 36 and is provided at its extended end with a perpendicularly offset web portion 43 with an integrally for-med perpendicular fin 5t thereon projecting beyond and in parallel with leg 4-6 and offset therefrom by the intermediate web 48.

The second leg 52 of the V rib 44, which is formed integrally with the first leg 46 adjacent its point of integral attachment to web 38, extends outwardly from web 33 at an angle divergent with the angle of the first leg. The extended end of the second angular leg of the V is provided integrally with a U-shaped channel formation 54 the spaced legs of which are disposed in parallel relationship with the parallel planes of flanges 32 and 36 to present the open mouth of the U opening outwardly away from face 38 of the web. That leg of the U-sha-ped channel member nearest the leg 46 of the V-shaped rib member is provided with a flanged head 56 extending for a spaced distance toward and in perpendicular to the leg as and in general transverse alignment with the offset web portion 48 of leg 46.

To complete the constructional configuration of structural member 28, that face of fin 59 on rib 44 disposed toward leg 52 thereof is provided with a plurality of spaced grooves 58 extending longitudinally of the member for purposes to be hereinafter described with detailed description of the improved functions of the structural member in the utility in which it is disclosed.

Again, as is best seen in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the frame 12 is formed by fabrication of a rectangle from four structural members 28 arranged in continuous, right angular alignment and suitably joined at the intersecting corners of the rectangle. By this construction the several webs, flanges, ribs, beads and channels of the structural elements forming the rectangular frame are continuously aligned about the rectangle with portions of each being in direct, spaced opposition one from the other between the head and sill bars and the two side posts of the frame respectively.

To generally complete the frame structure of the novel sliding window construction constituting the present invention, there is provided a center post or meeting rail 69 secured vertically between the head bar and sill of the frame substantially mid-Way between the side posts of the frame.

The center bar or meeting rail 64) consists of an elongated, extruded member having a cross sectional configuration including a central, generally I-shaped member 62 one of the two normally parallel plates of which is a straight leg section 64 perpendicular to the cross web 66 thereof, while the second leg 68 of the normally parallel pair is provided with a concave groove 70 laterally, centrally thereof and extending longitudinally of that face defining remote end portions '72 and 74 of the leg lying in the same plane and being parallel with leg member 64.

The formation of groove 70 in the outer face of leg plate 68 causes an angular inclination of the inner faces of the leg within the side opening channels 75 of I-shaped member 62 resulting a generally V-shaped configuration of these channels in cross sectional view complementary to the V-shaped channels defined by ribs 44 of the structural member 28.

The extreme outer end or longitudinal edge of portion 72 of leg 68 is provided with a right angular lip or bead 76 extending longitudinally thereof and projecting for a spaced distance into the mouth of adjacent channel 75 in the direction of the leg 64. The extended end or lon- 'gitudinal.edge of portion 74 of leg 68 is provided with a right angular lip 78 identical in configuration and location as lip 76. However, lip 78 is provided with an extended portion 80 with projects for a spaced distance outwardly from the opposite face of leg-68,remote to leg 64, where it is turned through 90 degrees to provide a flange 8-2 lying in parallel spaced relationship with the outer face 'ofportion 74 of leg 63 and forming therewith a generally U-shaped channel 84 longitudinally of the cross rail and disposed with .its open face in aligned opposition with channel member 54 onrib 44 of the side bar of window frame 12 remote thereto.

-Leg-64, of meeting rail member 62, which is generally straight and flush onits outer face, is provided atthat end thereof .adjacentto the first described longitudinal edge of leg 68 with a perpendicular web .86 extending for a spaced distance in a direction therefrom remote to leg 68. 'Web 86 is provided on its extreme, outermost end with arightangular fiange88 extending to lie in spaced parallel relationship with the outerwardly disposed face -of the leg 64. Web 86 is additionally provided with a perpendicular fin 90 projecting therefrom in a direction opposite tothe direction of projection of flange 88 and whichis formed integrally with theweb 86 at a point immediately adjacent the integral attachment of the web to the-leg.64 of themeeting rail member. A fin 92 corresponding to fin 90 is formed integrally in offset relationship to the leg 64 on that longitudinal edge thereof remote tothe integral attachmentof the Web 86 in such .a .manner.that fin 92 projects oppositely from the cross railmember to fin 9i and in an aligned transverse plane therewith.

Meeting railed is positioned and secured in the frame between the upper header component of the frame and railfitl is positioned above the sill component-14 of the {frame *12 with the bottom ends of portions 72 and '74 of leg 68 of the meeting rail seating in-vertical alignment on the upwardly disposed, flat surface of web portion 48 of the frame componentrib 44. At the same time, the

'bottom surface of leg '64 of the meeting rail 60 seats [horizontally along the uppermosthorizontal surface of flanged bead 56 on the second leg of rib 44 of the sill com- I ponent 14.

To position the meeting rail 60 on thesill component .of frame 12 asdescribed above the lowermost ends of .rfins .90 and'92 ofthe meetingrail 60 are cutaway horizontally for a distance above the bottom ends of legs '64 and 68 substantially equal to the vertical depth of fin .50 of the sill component, above which these fins are vertically aligned. Likewise, screen retainingweb 86 and flange. 88-are cut away for-a like distance above the foot of. the meeting rail.

The meeting rail'60 issecured to the sill component in the position described by means of two spaced thread cutting screws 94 and 94a which are threadedly engaged .from the :underside of the sill component upwardly through countersunk holes 96 and 96a in the web 30 into the lower-ends of the two side opening verticalchannels 75 :defined inthe. central I-shaped portion of the meeting rail. 60, said channels being automatically threaded for a .spaced distance above their lower, open ends when said screws are driven into position.

When the meeting rail 60 is securedvwithin the-frame 12 by the attachment hereinabove described it will be so positioned, as best seen in FIG. 5, as to locate the generallyN-shaped side opening channels in the main body thereof .in opposed alignment laterally of the frame with the: generally 'V-shapedchannels defined by the ribs 44 on .each vertical side componentofthe frame. Atqthesarrie time, oppositely extending ribs -and 9 2 riot-med on the meeting rail arealigned transverselyof the framewith the fins 50 on legs 46of the .two Vribs 44,011 each side component of the frame. In the same-manner, theprojecting lips 76 and 78 on the leg .68 of the meeting raildtl will be aligned transversely withthe beads or lips 56 on the legs 52 of the V ribs of the side elements of the frame.

The transverse alignment within theframebfthe above recited similar elements of the meeting rail andthe -intermediate ribs44 of the side elements of theframe serve to perform complementary andcooperativefunctionsin the window. assembly which will be hereinafter described.

Frame installation Theinstallation of frame ,12 ina wall openingisbest illustrated by FIGS. 3, ,4 and 15 wherein there is shown ,a

typical woodbuck installation consistent with the specific embodiment of the frame structural, member 28 hereinbefore described.

In typical fashion the window opening in thestructural wall is defined,side, top and bottom, by framing studs ,or jamb members .98, and 102 respectively. These jamb members present flushsurfaces continuously aboutthe opening disposed inwardly thereof.

The window frame 12is positioned vertically inthe opening (FIGS. 4 and 5) from the outdoor side of the opening .which locates the flanges 32 of all the frame components in abutment with the yertical faces oftl e Ijamb members on the outdoor side thereof marginally about the window opening which they define. Atthe same time, the extended orprojected ends of heel portions '42 ofthe frame componentfianges 36 are positioned in abutment with the adjacentflush surfaces of the surrounding jamb members. Screws, clinch nails, orthe like, 104, are driven, from Within the frame, outwardly through countersunk opening 10.6 in the webs30 of the side components of the frame into the adjacent jamb rnembers'to rigidly -and tightly secure the windowfrarne in the opening.

Windaw tPzmels In the .window embodiment shown there isa lfixedjsa sh 108 and a horizontallysliding, openable sash 11 0 defined Within the frame. The-fixed sash. consistspfa. glazed panel 112 which'is positioned vertically within the' frame with aperipheral, marginal edge portion thereof continuously about one face being locatedlin abutmentwith the grooved faces offins Sil of rib members-44 on .one side is substantially crescent-shaped, and which is provided in itsconvex face intermediate the extreme tip .ends thereof with a longitudinal'groove'1l6 of generally U -s haped configuration. As isfbest-seen in FIG. Sjthe installa- -tion of the glazing strip 114 is such that it is'partially inserted sideways into the channel defined between jthe divergent legs of the V-sh-aped rib44,-and'at 'the same time into the channel 75 defined between-the leg memhers-64 and 68 of the meeting rail. jSuch insertion of the strip brings groove 116 into registry with and engagement about the head 56 of the rib 44, and with lip 76 of the leg 68 .of the meeting rail. This positioning of the glazing strip serves to locate one point 11-8..or tip end longitudinally thereabout in engagement with the inner faced the leg 4610f rib ,44. gThesecond end tip 120 of the strip engages the glazed panel 112 in opposition to fins t) and 99. It can be seen that the glazing strip forms a triangular insert having three-point contact between the glazed panel, leg 46 and leg 52 thereby compressively and resiliently holding the glazed panel in place while simultaneously providing a cushioned seal completely about the marginal edge of the panel.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings there is shown a horizonal track member 121 carried by the sill component of the window frame. The track member consists of a flat strip 122 having upturned vertical flanges 124 and 126 longitudinal of each side edge. Flange 12 i is provided with a rolled-over edge 128 adapted to engage downwardly in channel 54 of rib element 44 of the sill component, while flange 126 is provided with -a rolled edge 130 adapted to engage downwardly over the uppermost end of vertically disposed flange 36 on the still component.

As is best seen in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the flat, central portion of the track extends from adjacent the web 36 of one side component of the frame to a point closely adjacent the web of the opposed side component. However, the rolled edge portions 128 and 130 are cut away, as at 132 and 134, for a spaced distance inwardly from each end thereof suflicient to accomodate the laterally projecting ribs 44 and flanges 36 on the side bar components of the frame.

As is further seen in FIG. 5, the flat portion 122 of the track is provided in a central portion thereof with a longitudinally formed drain slot 136 vertically therethrough providing communication with the channeled recess of the sill component defined between rib 44 and flange 36 thereof. Rib 44 of the sill component is provided at spaced points longitudinally thereof with weep holes 13% for draining condensation and the like from within the channel on the indoor side of the sill component outwardly onto the upper, inclined face of the web 3d of the sill component.

The sliding panel 119 of the window assembly consists of a rectangular frame Mil which is generally H- shaped in cross sectional configuration with the perpendicular partition wall offset toward one end thereof outwardly away from the panel opening. Glazing of the frame is accomplished by the utilization of a continuous strip 142 of resilient material, such as neoprene, vinyl or the like, which is generally U-shaped in cross sectional configuration with the open mouth thereof receiving and engaging a continuous marginal edge portion of a glazed panel 144. The panel receiving strip is provided on the opposed outer surfaces of the paraell leg portions of the U-shaped configuration with spaced longitudinally extending, and integrally formed, resilient fingers 146 while the adjacent ends of the legs defining the opening thereinto are provided with substantially perpendicular flanges 148.

In the installation of the glazed panel 144 in the frame 140 the strip 142, is inserted telescopically into frame 146 continuously thereabout to bring the undersides of the flanges 148 into abutment with the frame longitudinally of the panel receiving opening and to position the strip within the channel opening of the frame with the resilient fingers 146 therealong in engagement with the inner, adjacent faces of the parallel legs of the frame. By this construction the glazed panel 144 is firmly supported and cushioned within the frame 140 and a seal is established between the remote faces of the panel by the U-shaped glazing strip in engagement within the channelshaped frame.

The frame f it of the sliding sash is slidably seated on the horizontal portion of the sill track 121. When supported by the track the upper end of the sliding sash frame projects upwardly for a spaced distance into the cavity defined between the downwardly projecting flange 33 and rib 44 of the upper or header component of the frame 12. The upper, cross component of the sliding sash frame is provided, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 13, with spaced retaining lugs 15% secured horizontally to the upper sash frame component and projecting outwardly from that face thereof disposed toward the downwardly projecting flange 38 of the head element of the window frame so as to overlie the inturned lip 46 on the lowermost end of the flange 33 thus retaining sash frame 14% therein. The lugs 15% may be formed from nylon or other suitable selflubricating or non-frictional materials.

When positioned in the window frame slidably seated on sill track 121, the sliding sash frame 149 presents on the indoor side thereof two finger rails 152 and 154 which tame the form of flanges formed longitudinally of the side members of the sash frame to project perpendicularly thereto and to terminate on their projected ends in arcuate lips 155 and 3.58, respectively, each of which extends at substantially right angles to its integral flange in a direction away from the frame opening.

Further, that side member of the frame supporting flange 152 is additionally provided with a raised bead 169 which extends longitudinally of the indoor face of the frame com onent in spaced parallel relationship to the flange 152 and defining therewith, cooperatively with the frame, a channel 51:32 vertically of the frame and opening in the direction of the arcuate lip 156 on the flange 152.

Completing the structure of the sliding panel of the window structure, that vertical face on the outside of that side component of the slidable frame opposite to flange 155 is provided with a turned over flange element 154% longitudinally of the outermost edge thereof. Turned over flange 164 forms with the adjacent frame component face a channel me having its open mouth disposed longitudinally of the frame component in the direction of the framed opening. This structure positions the flange defined channel 166 to teiescopically receive vertical flange on the indoor side of meeting rail 62 when the panel is moved to a closed position thereby interlocking the frame and the meeting rail.

Weather Seal In order to provide a weather seal for the sliding sash frame of the window construction a sealing strip 168 is provided continuously about the peripheral edge of the opening defined between the meeting rail and the side component of the frame remote to the fixed sash. The sealing or weather strip 16% consists of an elongated piece of resilient material such as neoprene, vinyl or the like, which is of generally rectangular configuration in cross section (FIGS. 4 and 5) and which is provided with a pair of parallel passages lli'ti continuously throughout its length serving to increase the resiliency of the member and at the same time providing a savings of material necessary to form the element. The weather strip is provided longitudinally of one face, on the outdoor side, with a plurality of s aced beads 172 which, when the strip is properly located, register with and engage in the complementary grooves 53 in the faces of aligned projections 50 on ribs 44% of the side, sill and head sections, and on rib 92 of the meeting rail member. The sealing strip is also provided longitudinally of one face thereof at right angles to said beads with a generally arcuate finger 174 having an angular teat 1'76 on its extreme end and an undercut groove 17% on one side thereof adjacent its point of integral attachment to the strip. Finger 174 is insertable within the ti-shaped channel of the ribs 44 on the side, sill and head sections and the side opening channel of the meeting rail member 62. When the finger 174 is engaged within said defined channel openings the undercut groove 1'78 thereof engages over the beads 56 of the ribs 44 and the lip 78 of the meeting rail to retain the sealing strip in place in flush contact with the ribs 44 and the meeting rail, as seen in FIG. 5. That longitudinal face of the sealing strip opposed to the beads 172 is provided with a partial concave face 18% which engages continuously about the outside face of frame 14-h of the sliding sash there- 206 and rib 44.

adjacent when theslidingsash-is in ;a-norrnally closed posit-ion (see FIG. 5).

In connection with the sliding sash-frame and its hori- :zontalsupporting'track there is provided'a bumper member 1820f generally'L-shaped configuration which is .along-for thatend of the vframe whenthe sash'is in a 'closedposition.

Screen Panel In .addition'to the sliding sa'sh for closing the o'penable .portion of the window, the window is also provided with a screen 186 "on the outdoor side thereof away from the sliding sash. The screen consists of a rectangular frame 138 the bottom, top andside members'190 of which are of :generallymectangular cross section and each of which is :provided with an L-shaped projectionil92 extending into theframe opening and defining anundercut channel 194 continuously about the inner peripheral edge of the 'frame. The channel'194 receives the'marginal edges of the screening material 196 downwardly therein and an elongated continuous elastic rope 'orband 1 isWedged-downwardly into the undercut 'channel'll94overlying the marginalscreen edge therein and 'tensiona'lly retaining the samein the channel totautly position the screening material entirelyover the frameide'fined'opening.

The outer-vertical edge of one sideicomponent of the screen frame, as best-seen in-FIG..'12, is"'provided with a .flatbow spring member i204} having 'the'remote ends thereof hooked to and enga'gediin theiouter 'face of'the :frame component as at 202 and 2ii4;so as'to placethe intermediate :portion of the :spring under xoutwar'dly bowed tension.

To accommodate the installation of theiscreen, the side component of the frame-12 of the window :adjacent' the sliding sash opening is provided-on the inner'facethereof as a 'continu-ationof flange 32 with a bead2ti6 extending vertically the length of said frame component in align- -ment' transversely of the window-with flange "88'previously described. To install the screen in'the .openable portion of the window the spring supporting vertical side member of the screen frame is inserted angularly, in-' wardly intermediate the flange 88 and the 'outer'face of leg=64 of the meeting railunder suflicient force-to compressively distort the-springto'permit the opposite'side 'member of thescreen frame to-be moved sufficiently in the direction of rib -44 on the side element of the' window framelZ to bringthe outer face of the side member of the screenframe inwardly of the bead 206 on the window frame component whereupon release of compressive movement of the'screenfram'e against spring ztiti' will urge the remote side-element of the "screen frame into abutment with the face of the web -30 intermediatebead This is accomplished easily from the inside of the window by depressing'the' screen toward .the center bar of the 'windowbymeans of pivotal finger loops 207. The resilience of spring Zildwill retainthe screen frame in fixed tensional position between flange-86 of the meeting rail and web 30 of the side component of window frame 12.

Latch M echam'sm- A latching mechanismgenerally designated at 208'is provided'in cooperative association with the frame 140 of the sliding sash and the center post or meeting rail 62 of the window frame assembly. The latching mech- :anism consists of a swinging catch or'keeper210' which 10 is in the form of-an elongated, 'extrudedbar member of a modificdxL-shaped cross-sectional configuration. including athickened heeLportion 212 atthe-juncture-of the vertical leg 214- of the L and the perpendicularly exten'ding foot 216 thereof.

The extended toetpor-tion 218 of the swinging'catchis vertically notched, 'as-at220, downwardlyof the-upper or top-face thereof at 'a-point.spacedinw-ard-ly from the extreme end, thus'definingon theextreme toe end of the catch agenerallyvertically extending, rounded bead 222.

The endor forwardmostface 224 of the toe portion of e the catch is angularly inclined rearwardly from the upper,

forwardmost point on the rounded bead 222 to thelower end of the face at its'point of convergence into the bottom face-.of-the foot portion of the-catch. This forwardmost Iface of the toe portionofthe swinging catch is provided, intermediate its vertical' length, w-itha grooved channel 226 extending longitudinally throughout the catch bar and defining onthe' lower, forw-ardmost end of thetoeportion a rib 228 the forwardrnost face of which aligns in vertical angul-arity with thenormal' plane of the inclined we face of thecatch.

The bottom-face of the foot portion'of the L-shaped swinging catch is formed arcuately,-as-at 230,'from the forwardmost face ofthe toeportion rearwardly andupwardlyintothe'body of the foot portion for a spaced distance'in. the-general direction ofthe heel of thecatch and from the innermost 'end 'of'said arcuate configuration angularly: doWnwardly,-as at 232, to the heel'of the'catch defining the above-described thickened heel portion 212. At the heel of the catch a generally rounded lip 234 is formed in a: direction generally outwardly from the normal plane of the-vertical leg ofthecatch in-a direction following the line of the ang-ularly inclined bottom face ofthe footportion thereof whereby a groove orx-finger rail is 'defined generally in the area designated 236 between thetnormal rearwardmost vertical face of the. leg portion of the catch anditsconvergence into the rounded line of thelip 234 which is ata pointspaced above the bottomrface 'oft-he .catch. a distance defined by the projecting-lip.

Completing the structure of'the latch member is a flat bow spring .238 which is "positioned longitudinally in the groove-.226. on the forward face' of the toe. portion of the latch with one end of thespring secured to the bottom or inner-wall of the groove by serrated edges on the'sprin g,

.as at:240,.and thesecond end freelyengaging the bottom will of the groove at a :point spaced longitudinally from .theattachedend-thereof. The configuration of the. spring is such that t-hebowed. portion 242 thereof projects'outwardly of the-groove .226 for .a spaceddistancebeyond the. plane of the verticallyinclinedforwardv face of the noseportion of the latch.

In the cooperative installation of the latch member with respect to the frame of the sliding sash and the meeting rail' 62 ofthe window assembly the toe portion :of thelatch-m'ember is slidably inserted vertically in the channel defined by the normally inner face of flange 152 on the sliding sash frame, the arcuate finger rail 156,

and the rib extending vertically of the outer face of the adjacent face of the sliding sashframe. This positioning of the'latch brings the notch 220'in registry with the rib 160 locating the rounded bead-222 in confined engagement between the adjacent face of flange 152 and the inner face of rib 160 with thegenerally arcuate bottom face portion'23t) of the toe of the catch concentrically aligning with the inner face of thearcuateflange-or finger rail.156. This positioning of the latch places the bowed portion 242 of spring 238 in compressive or resilient engagement with the adjacent vertical face of flange.152 of the-sash frame urging the forwardface of the toe portion of the latch outwardly from said flange face to a point limited by the engagement of the forward vertical .face of the vertical leg portion 214 of the. latch with the perpendicular flange '164'on the'adjacent vertical edge of the frame 1400f the sliding sash. Ata' point coincidental 7 with the engagement of the forward vertical face of the leg portion with the flange 164 an angularly flatted portion 244 on the upper face of the foot portion of the catch will be brought to a point of engagement with the adjacent vertical face of the sliding sash frame 140. The coincidental engagement of these two surface areas on the latch member with the respective perpendicularly disposed surfaces of the sliding sash frame is critical to the retention of the latch member in the defined channel which retention is accomplished by the moments of force on the latch member established between these two points of engagement, the engagement of the rounded bead 222 behind rib 160, and the moment of the resilient urging on the latch face by spring 235. The latch catch is retained vertically in place in the defined channel by peening or upsetting head or rib 16d, as at 245, above and below the catch location.

Cooperating with the latch member, supported on the sliding sash frame as defined, is a striker shoulder 246 formed vertically inwardly of the outer face of leg 68 of the meeting rail 6%? at a point therein adjacent the junction of the concave groove 7% and the straight leg portion 72 of the meeting rail. The striker shoulder 246 is formed at a point transversely of the outer face of the leg 68 of the meeting rail so as to normally space it a short distance away from the rearward face of the leg portion 214 of the catch when the catch is in the full line position shown in FIG. 6 under the resilient urging of spring 238. However, the upper extended end of leg portion 214 of the catch extends perpendicularly inwardly of the concave area in the leg 68 of the meeting rail for a distance sufficient to bring the rearward vertical face thereof into abutment with the striker shoulder 246 upon movement of the sash frame from a closed position in a direction parallel to the fixed sash and in the direction of the fixed sash portion of the window. At the same time, when the sliding sash frame is in a fully closed position the above-referenced spacing between the striker shoulder 246 and the upper vertical face of the leg portion 214 of the catch is suflicient to permit the leg portion of the catch to be moved arcuately about a pivotal point established on the central axis of the circular bead 222 outwardly and away from the leg 63 of the meeting rail to the position indicated in dotted lines in PEG. 6 of the drawings. When the latch member is arcuately withdrawn as shown in dotted line the sliding sash is then free of obstruction to movement to an open position. It is obvious that the release movement of the latch mechanism to position it in the dotted line position of FIG. 6 is accomplished by finger pressure exerted in the area see generally outwardly against the rounded finger lip 234 on the heel portion of the latch. Such outwardly exerted finger pressure is facilitated by use of the left hand, for example, with the thumb engaged behind that vertical face of flange 152 of the sliding sash frame remote to the latch member with the fingers of the hand engaging about the finger lip 234. Reversing the example given to enable use of the right hand for opening of the latch, the finger tips would be engaged on that surface of flange 152 remote to the latch to readily position the thumb for engagement behind the finger lip 234 for pivotal withdrawing of the latch member.

Fin Trim Structure Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings there are shown two illustrative, modified forms of the structural member 28 from which the components of the window frame 12 may be formed. These two modifications illustrate the adaptability of the present window construction to a fin-trim installation as distinguished from the typical wood buck installation to which the previously described illustrative embodiment was directed.

In FIG. 14 the modified structural member 28 is identical in all respects to the member 28 hereinbefore del2 scribed (the same designations being used) with a single exception occurring in the specific construction of earlier described flange 32 on one longitudinal edge of the web 36 of the member. In the present embodiment flange 32 is extended for a substantial distance beyond its extreme terminus as hereinbefore described to provide for engagement of the extended portion 248 with a vertical face of a framing stud 25b of the type normaly framing a window opening and providing for an exterior wall installation outwardly therefrom in a typical fin-trim installation. Additionally, the flange 32 is provided with an integrally formed perpendicular rib 2S2 originating thereon at a point intermediate its length and projecting outwardly in a direction generally away from the window to form with the extended portion 248 of flange 32 a corner for the reception of the exterior wall externally of the framing stud 25% The rib 2523 establishes a frame opening for the window within the subsequently applied exterior wall.

In FIG. 15 there is shown another form of the fin-trim window frame wherein the flange 32 of the wood buck structural member hereinbefore described is provided with an attachment 254 forming the frame for the window opening within the area to which the exterior wall is to be subsequently applied externally of the framing stud 25%. The framing attachment 254 consists of a flat web 256 having an offset lug 258 on one face thereof for engagement with the extended end of flange 32 which lug is so located and positioned as to locate the adjacent end of the web in coincidence with the projected plane of web 30 of the structural member. The last referenced end of web 256 of the framing attachment is turned at right angles to provide an offset plate portion 260 extending as a continued projection of web 3i outwardly of flange 32 for a spaced distance where it is turned again at right angles to provide a second web portion 262 extending in parallel relationship with web portion 256. Web portion 262 is provided on the end thereof remote to plate see with a perpendicular flange 26 i extending outwardly away from framing stud 25d and serving with web portion 256 of the attachment to form a frame about the window opening in the same manner as provided by the integral framing components of flange 32 of the structure shown in and described with respect to FIG. 14.

In accordance with the foregoing descriptions and disclosures a horizontal sliding window construction is provided which inherently satisfies all of those objects and advantages heretofore set forth. Substantial savings in time, materials and, consequently, costs of manufacture are made possible by the simple and inexpensive design, construction and fabrication of the novel and improved window constituting the present invention. a

It should be specifically noted that the structural elements of the window structure herein disclosed are confined to one-piece tubular, or semi-tubular forms which are readily extruded, and which provide for savings in material required for manufacture without sacrificing any characteristics of strength and rigidity. Further, the several different structural forms utilized to construct the window are so designed as to cooperate one with the other to enable the obtaining of those advantages above denoted.

In addition to those advantages set forth above, the present window construction in its several embodiments, provides a structure of maximum functional utility and having the ultimate in aesthetic quality. For example, the latch mechanism operating cooperatively with the sliding sash and the fixed meeting rail of the window frame serves to operate automatically upon closing of the window to efficiently and effectively lock the window. At the same time, the latch serves as a finger or grasping rail for one hand operation to release the lock and to move the sliding panel to an open, or partially open, position. While the novel latch mechanism described performs the above unique and useful functions it further affords aesthetic advantages in that it does not extend into or over 13 the glazed area of the window to obstruct vision and present an unsightly and awkward appearance as do prior art latches for similar type windows.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such words are used for purposes herein to facilitate description and they are intended to be broadly construed.

Having now described the invention, the construction, the operation and use of preferred embodiments thereof, the advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby, the new and useful constructions and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art are set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a latch mechanism for a sash mounted in a window frame for horizontal sliding movement therein, said frame having a vertical meeting rail normally adjacent one end of said sash, the combination comprising: a recessed channel in said meeting r-ail defining a strike surface perpendicular to the path of sliding movement of the sash; a catch pivotally supported on said sash for pivotal movement about a vertical axis; and resilient means biasing said catch against said one end of said sash to position the free end of said catch in said meeting rail channel in the closed position of said sash whereby engagement of said free end of said catch with said striking surface resists sliding movement of said sash from closed to open position and whereby said catch is yieldable against the biasing action of said resilient means for moving said sash from open to closed position.

2. A latch mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said catch consists of an elongate bar member of L-shaped transverse configuration, the extreme free end of one of the perpendicular elements of the catch being provided with a rounded bead having pivotal attachment to the sash, the extreme free end of the second perpendicular element of the L-shaped catch being positioned adjacent the recessed channel of said meeting rail, said resilient means being interposed between the sash and the pivotally attached free end of said catch biasing the extreme free end of the second defined perpendicular catch element into said meeting rail recess, and a finger engaging lip projecting from the second-defined perpendicular element of the catch adjacent its angular junction with the firstnamed pivotally attached perpendicular element.

3. In combination, a frame window sash in sliding adjacency across a meeting rail, a latch strike recess in said meeting rail, a latch catch on said sash, said catch comprising an integrally formed elongated bar of generally L-shaped transverse configuration, a rounded bead extending longitudinally along one free end extremity of the L-shaped bar having pivotal engagement with said 14 sash disposing the transversely remote free end extremity toward said strike recess, and spring means interposed between and bearing against said catch and said sash biasing the second named extremity toward said strike recess.

4. A combination as defined in claim 3 wherein said L-shaped catch is provided intermediate the transversely spaced extremities with a finger engaging abutment formed in opposition to said resilient bias.

5. In a window construction, in combination, a vertical meeting rail; a sash frame supported in sliding relationship across said meeting rail; and a latch catch mounted on said sash frame, said meeting rail having a latch strike recess in one face thereof, said sash frame having an undercut channel therein, said catch comprising an elongated bar of generally L-shaped transverse section, one longitudinal edge of the free side of one leg extremity of the L-shaped catch being pivotally secured in said undercut frame channel, the said free side extremity of said leg extremity adjacent said pivotally secured longitudinal edge being resiliently biased outwardly from said undercut channel, the extremity of the second leg of the L-shaped catch being disposed toward said meeting rail strike recess, and a finger engaging abutment formed on an intermediate portion of said catch generally opposing said bias.

6. In a window construction, a rectangular window frame, a window sash slidably mounted in said window frame between open and closed position, and latch means associated with a frame element of said window frame and an adjacent frame element of said window sash in the closed position of said window sash for normally retaining said window sash against movement from closed to open position, said latch means including a recessed channel in said window frame element defining a strike surface perpendicular to the path of sliding movement of said window sash, and a latch catch of generally L- shaped transverse configuration, the extreme free end of one of the perpendicular elements of said latch catch being formed along one edge thereof with a rounded bead having pivotal engagement with said window sash frame element, said sash frame element having a laterally projecting flange confronting the said extreme free end of said one perpendicular element of said latch catch, and spring means interposed between said flange and a portion of the extreme free end of said one perpendicular latch catch element adjacent said rounded bead biasing the end portion of the other perpendicular element of said latch catch into said recessed channel.

Denmark Jan. 25, 1937 Great Britain Nov. 8, 1933 

1. IN A LATCH MECHANISM FOR A SASH MOUNTED IN A WINDOW FRAME FOR HORIZONTAL SLIDING MOVEMENT THEREIN, SAID FRAME HAVING A VERTICAL MEETING RAIL NORMALLY ADJACENT ONE END OF SAID SASH, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING: A RECESSED CHANNEL IN SAID MEETING RAIL DEFINING A STRIKE SURFACE PERPENDICULAR TO THE PATH OF SLIDING MOVEMENT OF THE SASH; A CATCH PIVOTALLY SUPPORTED ON SAID SASH FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT ABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS; AND RESILIENT MEANS BIASING SAID CATCH AGAINST SAID ONE END OF SAID SASH TO POSITION THE FREE END OF SAID CATCH IN SAID MEETING RAIL CHANNEL IN THE CLOSED POSITION OF SAID SASH WHEREBY ENGAGEMENT OF SAID FREE END OF SAID CATCH WITH SAID STRIKING SURFACE RESISTS SLIDING MOVEMENT OF SAID SASH FROM CLOSED TO OPEN POSITION AND WHEREBY SAID CATCH IS YIELDABLE AGAINST THE BIASING ACTION OF SAID RESILIENT MEANS FOR MOVING SAID SASH FROM OPEN TO CLOSED POSITION. 